The EU's Chief Brexit Negotiator, Michel Barnier briefed the EU-27 on the state of play in the Brexit negotiations following the latest rounds of negotiation with the UK. Ministers had an opportunity to discuss the situation and the way forward.
The main concern appears to be the Irish border. Barnier said the EU side were willing to improve the current proposal, but said that its aim was to avoid the hard border. The EU side have received data on trade of goods through Northern Ireland, saying the EU need to confirm where, when and who would carry out the checks. Barnier emphasized that the checks were needed because of UK decision to leave the Customs Union and Single Market.
